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Koranic Roots of the Shari'a -- Booklet 4
HOLY WAR IN ISLAM, DREAM OR REALITY?
"Kill them, wherever you find them!" (The Qur'an)
The Koran contains around 100 verses that command Muslims not only to endeavor for Allah (Jihad) but also to fight and kill for Allah (Qital). Here you find an overview on these verses. One of them says: "Kill them, wherever you find them!" How does this differ from the message of Christ?
Title
I - Historical background to Muhammad's wars
II - Allah's legalization of Muhammad's wars
III - Who are the enemies of Islam?
IV - Preparations for War
V - The Battle Real
VI - The Reward for the Fighter in Jihad
VII - Special laws for war and peace
VIII - Critical reactions of modern Muslims to the martial law of the Qur'an
Quiz
HOLY WAR IN ISLAM, DREAM OR REALITY?
"Kill them, wherever you find them!" (The Qur'an)
Whoever reads the Qur'an can find 95 legally binding verses that the leading legists of the four schools of Islamic law chose as the basis for their legislation on Holy War. Whoever adds Muhammad's biography by Ibn Hisham to these Qur'anic commands on Holy War will recognize that the confrontations between Muhammad, the traders in Mecca and the Jewish tribes in Medina escalated to an all-encompassing war on the Arab Peninsula.
I - Historical background to Muhammad's wars
The polytheists in Mecca bitterly rejected Muhammad's testimony that Allah is the only God and that there are no other gods besides him. Heated debates led to an ever-growing boycott of the Muslims. This was accompanied by slander and persecution of the socially disadvantaged and the martyrdom of some Muslim slaves in Mecca. Muhammad advised about 80 of his followers to emigrate to Ethiopia and to ask the Christians there for asylum. After the death of his wife, Khadija, and the death of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, the protection Muhammad had received from his tribe in Mecca crumbled, so that he was forced to emigrate to Yathrib (Medina) in AD 622.
Before he fled Muhammad developed three consecutive treaties for his own protection with the Muslims in Medina. After he arrived there he established a multi-cultural city administration, but only allowed it to function until he had gained enough power to impose his intolerant religious state on all inhabitants of Medina. The growing poverty of the hundred Muslim families who had emigrated with him caused growing tensions within his religious community. In order to meet the needs of these refugees in Medina Muhammad encouraged them to raid the Meccan caravans, which they flatly refused to do (Sura al-Nisa' 4:73-80). But Muhammad brainwashed them with the help of some Suras inspired by Allah justifying his intentions (Sura al-Baqara 2:216-218), so that later 83 emigrants and 231 Medinan Muslims went with him to attack and rob the great Meccan caravans that came from Damascus in the spring. The Battle at Badr ended with triumph for the Muslims and brought the turning point in the development of the Holy War. Captured Meccan traders were redeemed as hostages only for high ransoms.
The changing fortunes of war resulted in the expulsion of the Jewish tribes from Medina. After their elimination the asylum seekers from Mecca "inherited" their land, their houses and Jewish women as slaves (Suras al-Ma'ida 5:82; al-Ahzab 33:26-27; al-Hashr 59:1-7 among others). During the War of the Ditch Muhammad was able to divide his enemies, who had outwitted him, with deception and bribes. But in Hudaibiyat he compromised with them by accepting the old occult-laden pilgrimage (Hajj) in Islam, so that the Meccan traders would secure their source of income.
Since Muhammad could no longer raid the caravans from Mecca after his agreement with them he ordered his followers to attack Bedouin tribes (Sura al-Hujurat 49:14), Jewish settlements outside of Mecca and Medina and Christian communities in northern Yemen, in order to secure his religious state financially. After raiding the Khaybar Oasis a Jewish hostess tried to poison him, a deed finally led to his death in AD 632.
Islamic Attempts to Justify Muhammad's Wars
The religio-economic conflicts in Mecca caused uproar among the traders and their years-long boycott of the Muslims, similar to the uprising of the silversmiths in Ephesus against Paul's preaching (Acts 19:23-40). Muslims call their emigration from Mecca an expulsion, which, according to the ancient Arab custom of revenge, gives them the right to retaliate (Suras al-Ma'ida 5:45; al-Shura 42:41-42 among others). Moderate Muslims call the raids on Meccan caravans a defensive war.
The social needs of the asylum seekers in Mecca drove Muhammad to more and more raids for booty. The religious cloaking of these attacks transformed them into planned offensive wars. In this way Islam spread at an explosive rate in the hundred years after Muhammad died into a superpower from the Indus River to the Atlantic. The fundamentalists understand Holy War to be a command from Allah to conquer all unbelievers, since their existence remains a temptation to Muslims to fall away from Islam (Suras al-Baqara 2:193; al-Anfal 8:39 among others). They believe that Allah will be with the victor (Suras Al 'Imran 3:160; al-Ma'ida 5:56 among others)!
It is useless to ask who is at fault in such wars, since right seems always to be with the stronger side. Both the supporters of defensive wars and the fundamentalists who call for offensive wars base their position on Qur'anic texts and on Muhammad's life.
Occult Methods and Goals of Muhammad's Wars
Muhammad's strategy in Mecca and Medina (AD 610-632) shows itself in contradictory extremes. The emigration to Medina came after a war of words and the hateful attempts by the residents of Mecca to starve the Muslims out. The Satanic verses in the Qur'an (Sura al-Najm 53:19-22) are Muhammad's attempt to save himself and his Muslims through a shaky compromise. But he retracted this Satanic inspiration later (Sura al-Hajj 22:52-53). After establishing contact with spirits (jinn) in the desert (Suras al-Ahqaf 46:29-32; al-Jinn 72:1-5) they prepared the way for Muhammad and his followers to emigrate in stages. From then on, "Muslim spirits" fought along with human Muslims in Holy War. The occult dimension of Islamic wars should never be overlooked (Sura Al 'Imran 3:61).
In Medina Muhammad urged his followers often to lure the unbelievers into a trap in order to kill them (Suras al-Baqara 2:191; al-Tawba 9:4). Angels are said to have helped the Muslims to victory in the Battle of Badr (Sura al-Tawba 9:40). Muhammad transformed the crushing defeat of the Muslims at the Battle of Uhud into a great victory for Islam by introducing polygamy with its surplus of births (Sura al-Nisa' 4:3). Muhammad himself took part in 29 campaigns of war, through which robbery, booty and taking slaves increasingly became the driving force of his unholy war. Occasionally Muhammad compromised with his enemies; he would agree to a cease-fire, but only until final victory could be achieved. After his victories he rewarded potential advocates of war among his enemies with generous gifts in order to win them for Islam. Whenever he entered into a dialogue with Christians or Bedouin chiefs, his goal was the voluntary submission of these guests or the opponents to Islam (Sura Al 'Imran 3:33-65, among others). He sent out deputies as spies and urged the rulers of the neighboring kingdoms to accept Islam immediately. The caliphs who succeeded him broke the power of the Byzantine and Sassanids empires with wars of aggression and wiped out their encircled troops.
Muhammad repeatedly emphasized that war is nothing but deceit! He was a master of deception and adapted quickly to each new situation. When he attacked Bedouin tribes near Medina, they cried, "We believe! We believe in Allah!" But Muhammad answered them, "You have not believed until you confess: We submit!" (Sura al-Hujurat 49,14). Islam means devotion or submission – voluntarily or by force! Whether dialogue or war, the goal remains the unrestricted rule of Islam. The Jewish tribe of Quraiza were unwilling to accept this principle during the Battle of the Ditch. Some of them conspired with the enemy besieging their town. When the besieging troops withdrew, more than 600 Jews of Medina had to dig their own mass graves, into which they were cast after they were slain. Jibril (Gabriel) ordered them to be annihilated.
The misunderstanding of Holy War
The term "Holy War" does not occur in the Qur'an! The English translation is an idealized version of the Arabic jihad. The Arabic language has various words for battle and war, appearing in the Qur'an with different connotations.
Kifāh means an intellectual battle. Hitler's book "Mein Kampf" is still sold under the title "Kifahi" today in the Middle East. But this term is not found anywhere in the Qur'an. Muhammad never knew any purely religious or theological discussions, but generally confronted his partners with offers and threats for their submission after dialogue.
Jihād means "to exert oneself in order to strive for Allah with every possible effort and sacrifice". This word became the Islamic technical term for the Muslims' battle against all unbelievers. It includes armed battles and longer wars. This term occurs in the Qur'an more than 41 times in various forms: Suras al-Baqara 2:218; Al 'Imran 3:142; al-Nisa' 4:95; al-Ma'ida 5:35, 54; al-Anfal 8:72, 74, 75; al-Tawba 9:16, 19, 20, 24, 41, 44, 73, 81, 86, 88; al-Nahl 16:110; al-Hajj 22:78; al-Furqan 25:52; al-'Ankabut 29:6,69; Muhammad 47:31; al-Hujurat 49:15; al-Mumtahina 60:1; al-Saff 61:11; al-Tahrim 66:9 among others.
Qitāl means fighting with a weapon in hand, with the aim of finally defeating the enemy by force and, if necessary, killing him in hand-to-hand combat or to be killed oneself. This word occurs, in its variations, 67 times in the Qur'an: Suras al-Baqara 2:190, 191, 193, 216, 217, 244, 246; Al 'Imran 3:13, 111, 121, 146, 167, 195, 246; al-Nisa' 4:74, 75, 76, 77, 84, 90; al-Ma'ida 5:24; al-Anbal 8:16, 29, 39, 65; al-Tawba 9:12, 13, 14, 29, 36, 83, 111, 123; al-Ahzab 33:20, 25; Muhammad 47:20; al-Fath 48:16; al-Hadid 57:10; al-Saff 61:4 among others.
In the Qur'an Hirāba or (harb) means an attack against Allah and Muhammad, or his own declaration of war against people who break his law. This term occurs only 6 times in the Qur'an, and includes a severe threat in Sura al-Ma'ida 5:33 of grave danger for every enemy of Allah and Muhammad (Suras al-Baqara 2:279; al-Ma'ida 5:33, 64; al-Anfal 8:57; al-Tawba 9:107; Muhammad 47:4).
Fi Sabīl Allah means to accomplish a service "in the way of Allah" or for the "cause of Allah", whereby all of the previously mentioned terms can be summarized in this one: Suras al-Baqara 2:154, 190, 195, 218, 244, 246, 261, 262, 273; Al 'Imran 3:13, 146, 157, 167, 169; al-Nisa' 4:74, 75, 76, 84, 89, 94, 95, 100; al-Ma'ida 5:54; al-Anfal 8:60,72; al-Tawba 9:19, 24, 30, 38, 41, 60, 81, 91, 111, 120; al-Nahl 16:125; al-Hajj 22:58; al-Nur 24:22; Sad 38:26; Muhammad 47:4,38; al-Hujurat 49:15; al-Hadid 57:10; al-Saff 61:11; al-Muzammil 73:20 among others.
This term which appears more than 45 times in the Qur'an is mentioned alongside "fighting with weapons" (qitāl) 19 times, "fighting with complete commitment" (jihād) 9 times, offering money for the cause of Allah (nafaqa) 9 times and emigration from Mecca "for Allah's sake" 5 times.
Whoever ponders these short analyses of the non-existent "Holy War" can recognize that Jihad (efforts for Allah) in the Qur'an mostly mean bloody conflict, even if liberal Muslims, clever asylum seekers or western humanists are reluctant to admit this fact. The 95 verses of the Qur'an that have legal applications, and which form the basis of Islamic martial law, need to be understood from this point of view.
II - Allah's legalization of Muhammad's wars
Several times the Qur'an mentions that all bloody attacks of the Muslims (qital) is predestined and from the beginning recorded in the original book in heaven (Suras al-Baqara 2:216, 246; al-Nisa' 4:77; see also Al 'Imran 3:154 and al-Anfal 8:55). Thus the wars of Muhammad and his caliphs are not considered to be private decisions but were planned, inspired and carried out by Allah himself.
In Sura al-Baqara 2:216 we read: Fighting with weapons (qital) has been prescribed for you even though you do not like it. Maybe you are rejecting something that is good for you and love something that will prove to be bad for you. Allah knows everything – you know nothing! (Sura al-Baqara 2:16)
Allah commands Muslims to do battle both with weapons in their hands and with total commitment of their time, energy, money and life for the objectives of Allah. The explicit command to war (qitāl) can be read 12 times in the Qur'an: Suras al-Baqara 2:190, 193, 244; Al 'Imran 3:167; al-Nisa' 4:76, 84; al-Anfal 8:39; al-Tawba 9:12, 29, 36, 123; al-Hujurat 49:9. The call to total commitment (jihād) appears 6 times: al-Ma'ida 5:35; al-Tawba 9:41, 73, 86; al-Hajj 22:78; al-Furqan 25:52.
In Islam war is incumbent on every healthy Muslim male. People who refuse to obey this command can count on being punished in this world and the next. According to the Qur'an Islamic fundamentalists are not reckless extremists, rather liberal and humanistic Muslims are considered to be disobedient cowards and agitators: Allah's wrath rests on them.
At first it was revealed to them (in Mecca): Restrain your hands from combat, pray and pay the religious tax. But when they were ordered (in Medina) to take part in a bloody combat, some of them feared men more than Allah and some of them were much afraid! They said: O Lord! Why have you commanded us to fight with weapons? Grant us a deferment! (Sura al-Nisa' 4:77).
But Allah's command remains unchanged. Since then all Muslims who read the Qur'an are commanded to step out of their indulgent lives.
The believers fight for Allah, the unbelievers fight for their devil! So fight against the enemies of Satan! Satan's deception is weak (Sura al-Nisa' 4:76).
Muhammad revealed to his followers: Truly, Allah has bought the souls of the believers and their property, so that they would gain paradise. Therefore they fight for Allah, they kill and will be killed on the basis of this promise (Sura al-Tawba 9:111).
Muslims are no longer free people. Allah has bought them like slaves and sent them into his war. They fight for him in collective bondage. In the Qur'an we read the mystical statement: Participate in the total commitment (jihad) "in" Allah and fight "his" (the right) battle. He has chosen you! (Sura al-Hajj 22:78).
This striking command shows that Allah not only wants to be with his Muslims, but wants them to be in them, in a psychological and occult union with them, in order to wage his war successfully. This command is one of the most comprehensive legitimizations for Muslims' battles, since Allah calls the attacks waged by Muslims his own battle. It is a great privilege for every Muslim to be obedient and fight in Allah.
Allah is understood to be the Almighty in Islam. He is stronger than all of the enemies of the Muslims (Sura al-Nisa' 4:84). The whole world belongs to him (Suras Al 'Imran 3:109, 189; al-Nisa' 4:126 among others). Hence everything he created belongs to Muslims (Sura al-Baqara 2:29). He is in control of the universe (Suras al-Baqara 2:142, 156; al-Nisa' 4:131, 132 among others) He accompanies his warriors as long as they fear him (Suras al-Baqara 2:194; al-Tawba 9:40,123 among others). Thus Muhammad states: Fear Allah and know that Allah is with them that fear him (Sura al-Baqara 2:194).
Allah has given Muhammad the power over any enemy whom Allah wanted to deliver to him (Sura al-Hashr 59:6).
Allah loves everyone who fights with a weapon in order to overcome the enemies of Islam (Sura al-Saff 61:4).
He loves especially those who donate money for his warriors to finance their participation in the Islamic wars (Suras al-Baqara 2:195; al-Nisa' 4:95; al-Tawba 9:20 among others). He will multiply their offerings sometimes 700-fold (Sura al-Baqara 2:261).
If some warriors fall or flee, Allah will bring out new ones. He loves them and they love him (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:54). Every victory comes from Allah alone (Sura al-Anfal 8:11).
These verses serve the Islamic jurists of the law as divine legitimization for Islamic wars. Allah has determined them and Allah will conduct them.
III - Who are the enemies of Islam?
The Qur'an names various categories of adversaries and enemies of Islam. Above all, he mentions those who attack Muslims.
The attackers and the ones who have driven the Muslims away fight for Allah against the ones who fight against you. But do not trespass. Allah does not love the trespassers (Sura al-Baqara 2:190).
If someone attacks you, then retaliate with the same measure with which he attacked you, if he attacked you. Fear Allah! (Sura al-Baqara 2:194c).
The defensive war in Islam is based on the law of retaliation and revenge, as the Qur'an states:
A soul for soul, an eye for eye, a nose for nose, an ear for ear, a tooth for tooth and a punishment for every wound. This is an atonement for anyone who keeps it! (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:45).
Forgiveness or human generosity is not possible, because every injury must be atoned for. The Qur'an determines: The just punishment (of the offender) is life for you! (Sura al-Baqara 2:179).
The unbelievers
The different Arabic terms for animists, non-Muslims and atheists appear over 200 times together as unbelievers in the Qur'an. These "inhuman beings" are the scum of the earth in the eyes of the Muslims (Sura al-Tawba 8:55-56). They are considered as impure (Sura al-Tawba 9:28) law-breakers, since they don't follow the Shari'a of the Qur'an. They eat pork and do not pronounce Allah's name (bismillah) when slaughtering animals. They are counted as ignorant, lawless and as mediums of sorcerers (Sura al-Baqara 2:102), who deceitfully break their contracts with Muslims (Sura al-Tawba 9:12). But their biggest sin is that they do not recognize Muhammad as a prophet and do not worship Allah in the Muslim way. Everyone who is not a Muslim is disdainfully called an unbeliever (kāfir) in the colloquial language. They are cursed by Allah, the angels and people (Suras al-Baqara 2:89-90,161; al-A'raf 7:38; al-Ahzab 33:64,68).
Allah counts the unbelievers (non-Muslims) as the worst animals, since they do not believe (like the Muslims). Those with whom you have made a contract and who constantly break it are not god fearing (Sura al-Anfal 8:55-56).
The unbelievers are our certain enemies (Sura al-Nisa' 4:101).
They want you to become unbelievers like they are, if possible. So do not take them as your friends (Sura al-Nisa' 4:89).
O Prophet, fight against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be unrelenting against them! Their home is hell and their end is miserable (Sura al-Tahrim 66:9).
Muhammad had to wage war on many fronts. Most of his opponents were animists, unbelievers and idolaters. He had declared a merciless war against them. They had only one choice: Either accept Islam or death (Sura al-Tawba 9,1-5)! Later, the death sentence was changed to enslavement for many animists who were captured in battle, so that they would not only die once but suffer the hell of slavery every day. Many Christians in North and South America bought slaves from the traders employed by European monarchies. They all took part in the Islamic torture of slaves. Where is the repentance of Christians for their part in the slave trade? Who is awake that the wealth of the western countries comes in part from the hard labor of the slaves sold by Muslim warlords?
The polytheists and the idolaters
The Islamic confession of faith makes everyone who believes in more than one god a blasphemer, since Islam accepts only Allah as the one God (Sura al-An'am 6:106). Whoever speaks of a "mother of God" or says that God is a Father, Christ is his Son and we are children of God, is pronouncing an unforgivable blasphemy according to Islamic understanding. All idolaters and polytheists are cursed (Suras al-'Ankabut 29:25; al-Fath 48:6 among others)!
Every idolater should be eliminated if he does not accept Islam. Since the existence of the polytheists is a temptation to Muslims to fall away from Islam, Muhammad broke his contracts with them in Mecca, gave them four months to think it over, and thus made it possible for them to emigrate. He threatened to exterminate them if they did not accept Islam (Sura al-Tawba 9:1-12).
When the waiting time of the holy months is over then kill the polytheists wherever you find them. Take them, surround them and lure them into a trap whenever possible. But if they repent, participate in the Islamic prayers and pay the religious tax, let them go. Truly, Allah is the forgiving, the merciful one (Sura al-Tawba 9:5).
This so-called "verse of the sword" and its echo in Sura al-Baqara 2:191-192 abrogates over 100 verses of the Qur'an that call for tolerance, equality and freedom of religion. All verses that recommend cooperation with non-Muslims only apply as long as the Muslims are in the minority, as in the case of Muhammad in Mecca. But as soon as Islam has the majority tolerance is finished! Islam must build and form an intolerant religious state. Claiming human rights won't work in a Muslim state because Islamic law is considered to be directly inspired by God. No one can change his laws.
Sura al-Tawba 9:113 shows how deep the rift is between polytheists and Muslims.
It is not for the Prophet or the believers (Muslims) to ask Allah for forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they are their closest relatives, after it has been made clear to them that they will go to hell (Sura al-Tawba 9:113).
The People of the Book (Jews, Christians and Sabaeans)
At the beginning of his career as a religious leader Muhammad idealized Jews and Christians and called them "People of the Book". He too wanted to possess a revealed book like theirs, in Arabic, as a basis for his culture. He accepted about 60% of his Qur'an from texts of the Mishna and Talmud and about 8% from apocryphal Christian stories. But when Jews and Christians refused to recognize Muhammad as prophet, he changed his attitude toward them. He called the Jews the most dangerous enemies of the Muslims, while he remained friendly with the Christians for a time.
You will certainly find that the most dangerous enemies of the believers (Muslims) are the Jews and the polytheists. And you will certainly find that those (enemies) who are the most friendly to you are the Nasāra (Christians), for among them are pastors (priests) and monks. That is why they are not proud (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:82).
Muhammad's hatred of the Jews increased, and he cursed them ten times in the Qur'an (Suras al-Baqara 2:88,159; al-Nisa' 4:46,47,52; al-Ma'ida 5:13,60,64,78; al-Ra'd 13:25 among others) and even claimed that Allah had changed some of them into monkeys and pigs as a punishment (Suras al-Baqara 2:65-66; al-Ma'ida 5:60; al-A'raf 7:163-166)!
The Jews were an intellectual, cultural and financial elite in Medina. Some of them mocked Muhammad openly. That is why he drove them out or destroyed them – at Jibril's (Gabriel's) command – one tribe after another.
Christians fell under Muhammad's displeasure later as well, after an honorable delegation of 60 people from northern Yemen (Wadi Najrān) discussed their faith with him for three days in the mosque in Medina. At that time Muhammad portrayed his Islam as a religion similar to the Gospel. The Bishop Abu Harith b. 'Alqama saw through the syncretistic attempts of Muhammad and left Medina without accepting Islam. Muhammad warned him and all Christians that Allah would surely bring plague on unbelievers.
I will torture all who remain unbelievers with a horrible plague in this world and the next. They will have no one to help them (Sura Al 'Imran 3:56).
Shortly thereafter Muhammad sent his riders into northern Yemen and subjugated the little Christian kingdom. He justified his attack with a revelation of Allah: Fight (with weapons) against those who do not believe in Allah and the last day, and who do not forbid what Allah and his messenger (Muhammad) have forbidden, and who do not belong to the right religion (Islam), from those who received the book, until they pay the minority tax (jizya) with their own hand and (in this way) acknowledge their lowliness. - The Jews say: Ezra is the Son of Allah! The Nazarenes say: Christ is the Son of Allah! But they only say this with their lips. They imitate the talk of those who were unbelievers before them. Allah shall kill them! How they are liars! (Sura al-Tawba 9:29-30).
With these two verses from the Sura of Repentance Muhammad flatly rejected all dreamers among the Jews and Christians who dreamt of a multi-cultural future in the Arab Peninsula. He accused them of believing in another God than that of Muslims! The Jews trusted Yahweh, their Lord of the covenant, and the Christians trusted the Father of Jesus Christ. But Allah is completely different! He is neither the God of the Jews nor the God of the Christians. Muhammad denied and abrogated his previous statement, that his God and the God of the Bible are the same! At the end of his life he understood that Islam has a spirit and a God different from those of the Christians and Jews.
A paradise with worldly pleasures is the goal of the Muslim hope. They do neither know a spiritual renewal, nor sanctification, nor rebirth, since there is no Holy Spirit in Islam. They count on a re-creation exactly like the old creation and an increased sexual potency for men in paradise.
Jewish culture and ethics are built on the law of Moses, Christian culture and ethics on the law of Christ and his power, while Islamic culture rests on the law of Muhammad. All three laws are different from the ground up! Naïve idealists, who still believe in the three monotheistic religions, should finally wake up and get sober. There is no common denominator among Muslims, Jews and Christians, neither in theology nor in ethics. Only ignorant and hypocritical dreamers claim that these three religions believe in the same God.
Muhammad stated shortly and to the point: Jews and Christians do not belong to the right religion. We are worlds apart! That is why Muhammad did not recommend any dialogue based on mutual recognition; rather he ordered his followers to conquer the Jews and Christians in a bloody battle with weapons until they are reduced to second-class citizens in an Islamic state and pay the minority tax. Any other legal statements about the relationship of the three religions to one another are either self-deception or lies (Suras al-Baqara 2:145; al-Hajj 22:17)!
Muhammad alleged that the Jews worshipped Ezra as God, for which there is no proof. Ezra founded a Jewish state 400 years before Christ, which was like a red flag to Muhammad!
The Christians were blamed for believing that Jesus is the Son of God! They actually tried to evangelize Muhammad! The founder of Islam cursed them in anger and called on Allah to kill and destroy every Christian who confesses that Christ is the Son of God (Sura Maryam 19:30)! Muhammad's prayers cursing the Christians are black magic (Sura Al 'Imran 3:61). With that, Muhammad's spirit revealed itself to be an anti-Christian spirit from the father of all lies, according to John 2:22-25; 4:1-5. He wants to destroy the kingdom of the living Christ by all means!
Stubborn Muslims and hypocrites
Not only are attackers, unbelievers, polytheists, Jews and Christians the declared enemies of Islam, but also Muslims who harm their own people. They are to be fought until all Muslims are reunited! This is wishful thinking, as history has proved hundreds of times, but this command is a part of the Qur'anic militaristic law and can be implemented at any time to legalize offensive action and attacks on outsiders.
Included among the outsiders are, above all, the hypocrites who act as if they were Muslims, who dress and talk like Muslims, but who think and believe differently at heart. Muhammad said that they have no sense and cursed them with the same curse that he used for the Christians. "Allah shall kill them!" (Suras al-Baqara 2:159; al-Tawba 9:30, 68; al-Ahzab 33:61; al-Fath 48:6; al-Munafiqun 63:4). Muhammad hated them because they did not donate any money for his wars and tried to keep Muslims from fighting (Suras al-Nisa' 4:91; al-Tawba 9:73, 120-121; al-Munafiqun 63:1-8; al-Tahrim 66:9 among others).
All cowards (Sura al-Fath 48:16-17) and traitors (Sura al-Anfal 8:71) rank with the enemies of Islam. They must prove that they are good Muslims by taking part in dangerous battles in which they may die. Contracts with them are not binding (Sura al-Anfal 8:58).
Islam is harmed especially by overly sensitive legists who disagree often about details of the Shari'a and endanger the unity of the troops. Muslims must fight against them, if they continue to quarrel after efforts have been made to negotiate with them (Suras al-Baqara 2:161, 217; al-Baqara 4:137; al-Tawba 9:66; al-Nahl 16:106; al-Kahf 18:105; al-Zumar 39:65). These troublemakers are a real problem to the unity of Muslims, as we read about the father of the Arabs, Ishmael and his descendants (Genesis 16). One of the weaknesses of disunited Muslims is that every party wants to have right on his side.
Muhammad was extremely angry with Muslims who fell away and who converted to a different religion. They are cursed three times: By Allah, his angels and all people (Suras al-Baqara 2:161; Al 'Imran 3:86-87). All their good works will be void (Suras al-Baqara 2:217; al-Kahf 18:105; al-Zumar 39:65). They must be considered criminals (Sura al-Tawba 9:66). The wrath of Allah rests on every lapsed Muslim. The fact that he has fallen away is eternally unforgivable (Sura al-Nahl 16:106). The Qur'an does not state that converts must be killed, but the Shari'a devised a law for their extermination on the basis of a questionable tradition of Muhammad's.
Are missionaries enemies of Allah?
Muhammad stated several times that tempting someone to leave from Islam is more heinous a crime than murder (Sura al-Baqara 2:191, 217 among others)! Non-Muslims would try to do everything to change the faith and the culture of the Muslims. That is why no Muslim should befriend a non-Muslim (Sura al-Nisa' 4:89 among others)! Muhammad commanded all Muslims to fight with weapons against missionary world views.
Fight (with weapons) against them until there is no more any temptation (to fall away from Islam) and that the religion of Allah (Islam) will rule everywhere (Suras al-Baqara 2:193; al-Anfal 8:39).
These temptations include the television programs and the economic colonialism of the West, as well as the propaganda of communist countries. But this warning and threat applies especially to Christian missionaries, since any mission activity is forbidden in most Islamic countries. Islam not only sees itself as a religion, but also as a religious state. Thus, evangelism among Muslims is considered as an attack on the foundations of the state and as an effort to undermine its existence. Thus Islam radically contradicts the human right to choose one's own religion.
Enemies become Brothers
As soon as an enemy of Islam repents by accepting Islam with its six articles of faith he is accepted as a brother by Muslims (Sura al-Tawba 9:5, 11 among others). He must reject faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; leave the community of his previous world view; enter the house of Islam; say the obligatory prayers regularly and pay the religious tax as a proof of his faith. This conversion does not require a change in character nor a rebirth, but only a submission to the religious law of Islam.
IV - Preparations for War
Muhammad was a master at preparing his attacks, as well as in motivating his followers for Holy War. He had Allah tell him to stir up all Muslims to battle (Suras al-Nisa' 4:84; al-Anfal 8:65 among others).
First he tried to form the hostile tribes into a unity (Sura al-Anfal 8:72), forbade fighting between brothers and required the ones who were quarreling to stop (Suras Al 'Imran 3:200; al-Nisa' 4:59; al-Anfal 8:1, 46). He demanded that an appointed delegation of responsible people from every clan come to him to discuss the situation so that he could inform and instruct them about the planned details in the coming battle (Sura al-Tawba 9:122).
Muhammad let Allah inspire him to look for allies in his own tribe among blood relatives and also among neutral business partners (Sura al-Anfal 8:75). At the same time he began a massive armaments program, especially to assemble troops of cavalry (Sura al-Anfal 8:60).
He emphasized collecting contributions for the cause of war (Suras al-Baqara 2:195, 261, 273; al-Tawba 9:20; Muhammad 47:38; al-Hadid 57:10) and challenged the Muslims with a total commitment of money and life (Suras al-Nisa' 4:95; al-Anfal 8:72; al-Tawba 9:41; al-Hujurat 49:15; al-Saff 61:10-11). He forbade spending money unwisely (Sura al-Baqara 2:195) and commanded the people not to swear emotional oaths and say: "I will never again offer something for Allah" (Sura al-Baqara 2:224-225)! Moreover he assured them: Allah loves the ones who offer for the efforts of Islam (jihād) (Suras al-Baqara 2:195; al-'Ankabut 29:69 among others).
Muhammad expected faith and obedience to Allah from the Muslims, and to himself (Suras 8:1,46; al-Fath 48:17 among others). He also recommended that they separate themselves from their parents, sons, brothers, wives, slaves, houses and lands if these kept them from fighting for Allah. The party of Allah (Hisbollah) is marked by the fact that its members are willing to separate themselves from their own families and to fight them if necessary, if they remained unbelievers (Suras al-Tawba 9:24; al-Fath 48:25; al-Mujadala 58:22 among others).
Islam knows nothing of loving enemies or showing sympathy for them, because these foes do not believe in the revealed law found in the Qur'an. Whoever cooperates with them causes unrest, misunderstandings and harm to Islam (Suras Al 'Imran 3:28; al-Nisa' 4:89; al-Anfal 8:72-73; al-Mumtahina 60:1 among others).
O believers! Do not take my and your enemies as friends and show them no sympathy. They do not believe in what has come to you as law. They drove away the messenger and you because you believe in Allah your Lord and because you fight for him and try to please me. But you are secretly fond of them… Whoever of you does this has strayed far from the way (Sura al-Mumtahina 60:1).
Muhammad separated himself from his enemies and cursed them, which legalized their elimination. Allah's wrath rests on him. Allah himself and his angels are supposed to have fought with the Muslims against the believers. Muhammad even used black magic in his unholy war (Suras al-Baqara 2:159, 161; Al 'Imran 3:61, 86, 87; al-Ahzab 33:61, 64, 68; al-Fath 48:6 among others).
Allah himself would strengthen and purify his warriors for battle (Sura al-Anfal 8:11-12). He assured them that they were chosen, so they should pray, pay and fight (Sura al-Hajj 22:77-78). Armed conflict is considered to be a test for the unbelievers (Sura Muhammad 47:4). Whoever does not fight courageously in battle will be plagued horribly by Allah (Suras al-Anfal 8:16; al-Tawba 9:38; al-Fath 48:16)!
Allah has abrogated and replaced the so-called "Satanic Verses" in the Qur'an (Sura al-Najm 53:19-22), with which Satan inspired Muhammad, through better verses so that a deceived faith would not hinder anyone fighting in the cause of Allah (Sura al-Isra' 17:64-65).
Muhammad spurred the Believers on in the Bedouin way: O believers! Why do you let your head hang when you are called: Move on and fight for Allah! Are you more satisfied with this life than with the next? (Sura al-Tawba 9,38).
Allah has revealed: I am with you! Strengthen the ones who are Believers (Sura al-Anfal 8,12)! Be patient (Suras Al 'Imran 3:200; al-Anfal 8:46)! Do not detest bloody hand-to-hand combat! (Sura al-Baqara 2,216).
Hasan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is supposed to have said: "A good Muslim is not someone who prays, fasts and pays his religious tax, but only the one who overcomes his own inhibitions and is prepared to kill the enemies of Allah – that is a true Muslim."
Muhammad stirred up his followers in the same way and said: "Everyone who believes fights for Allah with a weapon" (Sura al-Nisa' 4,76).
The prayers of Muslim minorities in non-Islamic or liberal Islamic countries should spur the Believers on, to free them or to help them to establish an Islamic state (Sura al-Nisa' 4:75). The bloody unrest in Algeria, Kosovo, Chechnya, Kashmir, Mindanao and East Timor are related to this verse. Voluntary fighters from various Islamic countries help the oppressed to be freed from the yoke of the unbelievers.
Be ready at all times to meet the enemy, stand and fight hard and trust Allah (Sura al-Anfal 8:45).
Do not run away when the battle starts, otherwise the wrath of Allah will fall on you (Sura al-Anfal 8:15-16).
Help Allah, and he will help you (Sura Muhammad 47:7).
Whoever fights for Allah's sake – whether he is killed or victorious – his reward is assured (Sura al-Nisa' 4:74).
Muhammad himself had put his fighters in strategic positions, where they could prove their courage in battle (Sura Al 'Imran 3:121).
Allah has the power to punish all unbelievers severely (Sura al-Nisa' 4:84).
Maybe he will give the Muslims victory (Suras al-Anfal 8:45; Al 'Imran 3:200).
The victory comes from Allah alone (Suras al-Baqara 2:214; Al 'Imran 3:126; al-Anfal 8:10; al-'Ankabut 29:10; al-Rum 30:5; al-Nasr 110:1).
V - The Battle Real
Muslims are people like us. Most of them are afraid of war, of dying and of killing. They do not like engaging in dangerous battles or attacks. Many of them are peace-loving and prefer prosperity and good citizenship.
Muhammad knew that his followers were afraid. He challenged them to concentrate on Allah alone! Apart from him there would be no helper (Sura al-Jinn 72:20). He commanded them:
"Think of Allah often" (Sura al-Anfal 8:45).
"Trust him only" (Sura al-Anfal 8:61).
"Fear Allah!" He is the only one that they should fear (Suras al-Baqara 2:194; Al 'Imran 3:123-129 and 200; al-Ma'ida 5:7; al-Anfal 8:1; al-Tawba 9:118-119 among others).
Muhammad did not say: Love Allah, but rather fear him! The oppressive weight of the fear of Allah rests on Islam.
In times of battle, the liturgical worship services can be shortened. While one group is praying, the other one should be battle-ready and alert. Then the ones who have worshipped should step back and stand guard while the ones who were guarding pray (Sura al-Nisa' 4:101-102). They intend to fight "in" Allah or with him!
Muhammad required his followers to concentrate on Allah with their whole being in order to overcome their own fear. Victory and protection come from the Almighty alone. Here the question arises: Who is Allah in Islam? From the Bible we must say: Allah in Islam is not the Father, not the Son and not the Holy Spirit. The Qur'an confirms this in many verses (Suras al-Ikhlas 112:1-4 among others). Allah is not the real God, but rather a murderous spirit who uses the name "Allah" even though he is not God.
In other religions, people try to gain spiritual power through spiritual training. Muhammad imagined that he was serving the true God by spilling blood, but he did not really know God and became the victim of a demonic spirit (John 1:18; 16:1-3).
Muhammad ordered his warriors to worship Allah intensively, to the extent that they would have a mark on their foreheads from prostrating 34 times a day within their five times of prayer, as proof and sign of their fear and worship of Allah (Sura al-Fath 48:29). He promised Islamic fighters that invisible troops (angels or spirits) would fight along with the god-fearing (Suras Al 'Imran 3:123-129; al-Tawba 9:40).
Muslim leaders in Indonesia invite their Jinns (spirits) to their important meetings and actions, to participate in their insight and powers. Muslims are not only human beings but also spirits cooperating with the believers in the battle. Muslims are to fight "Allah's" battle protected and strengthened "in" him. Their killing is an act of worship for Allah, in that Allah attains victory through them (Suras al-Hajj 22:78; al-'Ankabut 29:69). Whoever understands that Allah in Islam is not God but an unclean spirit can perceive the specific meaning of these verses!
But if circumstances compel Muslims to hide their faith or to deny it, this is not considered to be a sin as long as they remain true Muslims in their hearts (Sura al-Nahl 16:106). Holy War in Islam always includes deception and betrayal.
For Muhammad the battle started with the watchful attitude of his combat-ready Muslims (Sura al-Nisa' 4:71,102). He commanded them to move out in troops and not to throw themselves singly into battle (Suras al-Nisa' 4:71; al-Saff 61:4). He tried to create a feeling of belonging together as fellow Muslims so that each one could rely on the other.
His special command was to lure the enemy into a trap: "When the sacred months are over kill the polytheists wherever you find them, take them, surround them and set every possible trap for them" (Sura al-Tawba 9:5).
We can read Allah's definite command to kill the unbelievers and the polytheists five times in the Qur'an (Suras al-Baqara 2:191 [twice]; al-Nisa' 4:89 and 91; al-Tawba 9:5)!
What was the great sin of Muhammad's enemies that they had to die? They did not believe in the prophethood of Muhammad and did not believe what he revealed about God and man, his books and messengers, his predestination and the resurrection of the dead. They could not accept Muhammad as a prophet because he received his information mainly from Jews and Christians and passed it off as a revelation from Allah.
Christ, on his side, summarized human guilt by saying that the Comforter will convict the world of sin, because they do not believe in Him (John 16:7-9). But Jesus did not command his followers to kill the unbelievers or fanatical legalists, but was willing to die in their place, so that their sin would be atoned for. Jesus did not carry out God's just verdict on rebels but on himself and reconciled all guilty people with the holy God. Whoever does not believe in him after his sacrifice of atonement is himself judged.
Muhammad took revenge for being rejected and fought against pagans, Jews and Christians. He himself carried out the judgment of Allah against them. Allah is not a God of love and reconciliation, but expects his Muslims to carry out his law by force. There is no Holy Spirit and no love of God in Islam, only law, submission and judgment! The command to kill found five times in the Qur'an should open the eyes of all idealists, humanists and syncretists in the Occident so that they understand who Muhammad and what his Islam is.
Muhammad ordered his fighters to strike the enemies on the neck (Suras al-Anfal 8:12; Muhammad 47:4). That is the Arabic way of saying: Cut off their heads! Commanding someone to cut his enemies' fingernails means to cut off their hands or to limit their activity (Sura al-Anfal 8:12). The command: "Be hard on them!" is repeated several times in the Qur'an (Suras al-Tawba 9:73,123; al-Fath 48:29; al-Tahrim 66:9 among others). Whoever reads Ibn Hisham's biography of Muhammad, volume II, will read several times the expression that the swords of the Muslims "mowed" down their enemies as a sickle mows down the harvest.
Muhammad did not allow his fighters to take captives to use as slaves, as long as the battle waged. This bad habit of some Muslims sometimes allowed the enemies to counter-attack when they saw that the Muslims were busy collecting the booty. That is why enemy troops should be killed at once in battle and not taken prisoner (Sura al-Anfal 8:67).
Many Muslims loathed this spilling of blood and the killing of those close to them, which was forced on them. Some of them even wept over the death of their relatives. Muhammad assured them: "You did not kill them, but Allah killed them!" "Not you shot, when you shot, but Allah shot" (Sura al-Anfal 8:17).
Killing enemies appears in this verse as a service to Allah and his worship. This Sura exonerates all the fighters in the Jihad, and opens the door wide for every kind of terrorism in Islam.
Muhammad commanded them to continue fighting until the enemy is conquered completely (Sura Muhammad 47:4). Collecting booty and taking women and children as slaves is allowed afterwards (Sura Muhammad 47:4). But if a hostage will accept Islam, he should be set free immediately (Sura al-Anfal 8:70).
A basic principle of Muhammad's war appears repeatedly in the Qur'an: Take revenge on them in the measure in which they have harmed you. Chase them away from places from which they chase you! Kill them as they kill other Muslims (Suras al-Baqara 2:190-191; al-Nahl 16:126 among others).
Ayatollah Khomeyni said: "It is better to do injustice than to suffer injustice!" But the law of Christ teaches us: "It is better to suffer injustice than to insist on justice!"
The final goal of Islamic war is not to take revenge for injustice suffered, but to make Islam rule the world. The Qur'anic great commission summarizes all other instructions on Islamic war:
"Fight them (with weapons) until there will be no more any temptation (to fall away from Islam) and the religion of Allah (Islam) will rule everywhere" (Suras al-Baqara 2:193; al-Anfal 8:39).
To this end Muhammad assured his fighters: He (Allah) sent his messenger with right guidance and the true religion, in order to grant victory over all other religions, even when this is loathsome to the polytheists (Suras al-Fath 48:28; al-Saff 61:9).
After the battle Allah will give the victorious sovereignty, wisdom, and everything they need (Sura al-Baqara 2,251)! Muhammad's orders to shed blood have caused the deaths of millions of animists, Jews and Christians. After some of these orders were replaced by the enslavement of unbelievers, millions of bound and chained people were led away into hellish bondage. In the Sudan alone today, there are a hundred thousand enslaved animists and Christians who suffer under their Muslim masters.
Unfortunately, Moses, David and Solomon also waged bloody wars in the name of God. But Jesus has turned this page over with a clean sheet. He taught: "You have heard it said: eye for eye, tooth for tooth (Exodus 21:24), but I say to you, do not resist evil, rather: If someone strikes you on your right cheek, then offer him the other one ..." (Matthew 5:38-42). Jesus said to Peter: "Put your sword in its place! For whoever lives by the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52).
Jesus is and remains the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9,6-7)! His kingdom is not of this world (John 18,36). He did not train his apostles in hand-to-hand combat, nor arm them with murderous weapons (Matthew 10:8-10). Any religious wars incited or lead by heads of churches are sinful. Jesus preferred to die on the cross for his opponents, rather then kill them. His followers were whipped and stoned without resisting. But they blessed their enemies! Their Lord had commanded them.
But Jesus revealed: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). He commanded his followers: "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who insult and persecute you, so that you will be children of your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:44-45). His words annul Muhammad's commands to hate!
In Islam the attitude is opposite: Whoever kills Allah's enemies in a war on his behalf will be rewarded! Whoever falls in an unholy war of the Muslims, hopes to enter paradise. With Christ it is so different: Whoever kills in his name will be punished and will go to hell. The motive of Jesus is love in truth and mercy with justice! Christ's religion is from "above"! Muhammad's religion comes from below. If Muhammad had lived before Christ, his behavior would be understandable in part. But he lived 600 years after Christ and went back to develop an anti-Christian spirit by rejecting the non-violence of Christ and by threatening his spiritual realm. The kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Muhammad are complete opposites.
VI - The Reward for the Fighter in Jihad
One of the driving forces for the Muslim's attacks was the lust for booty! Muhammad had to provide an income for his followers and refugees from Mecca, so he stirred them up to attack the caravans of their adversaries. The booty from these raids financed the consolidation of Islam in Medina and solved the critical financial crises. Later Muslim caliphs and rulers lived from the gold and the labor of tens of thousands of slaves rounded up from worldwide conquests. Bedouins and Muslims do not like to work hard or soil their hands. For this they hire serfs and "paid specialists". Muslims believe that they were born to rule!
Islamic jurists have chosen nine verses from the Qur'an to develop the law regarding taking booty. In addition the Muslims' book contains 30 other verses that deal mainly with the treatment of female slaves. This shows that more verses speak about the keeping and treatment of slaves than about booty in the Qur'an. These captured slaves are the core of the laws on booty.
The critical point in taking booty is how it is distributed! Muhammad repeatedly commanded the Muslims not to quarrel while distributing the booty. He secured the role of arbitrator for himself. All his decisions were indisputable and infallible (Suras al-Anfal 8:10,41; al-Tawba 9:60; al-Hujurat 49:9; al-Hashr 59:6-7; al-Mumtahina 60:11 among others).
"Allah and Muhammad" received one fifth of the booty that was collected after the victory of Muslim fighters (Sura al-Anfal 8:1, 41). But if a fortress or an oasis surrendered without fighting, then Muhammad or the general in charge of the attacking troops received everything! All blood relatives, war orphans, poverty-stricken, disabled veterans and travelers were to receive a part of the booty (Suras al-Anfal 8:41; al-Hashr 59:7). The distribution of the booty was the high point of Muhammad's wars. The greed for captured goods sometimes caused considerable tension among the Muslims, because some figured that they had received less than others, and Muhammad had to command them repeatedly to be obedient to him, to fear Allah and to stop quarrelling (Sura al-Anfal 8:1, 69 among others).
The Qur'an explains that booty can best be collected from conquered cities and villages (Sura al-Hashr 59:7). Another potential source of income was the selling of prisoners and hostages for the highest possible ransom (Suras al-Baqara 2:85; Muhammad 47:4). In Islam Allah permits and commands taking hostages (!) and encourages the demand for ransom at their release (!). Exchanging prisoners was another way of releasing them.
Muhammad said: Allah has promised you that you will collect much booty. He allowed part of it to reach you quickly and kept people from you (that they could not stop you). The booty is a sign for the Believers that he, Allah, would lead them in the straight path(!). (There is) another part (of the booty), which you could not collect yet. But Allah has kept it for you. Allah is capable of everything! (Sura al-Fath 48,20-21).
After his death, Muhammad's religiously founded teaching on booty incited Muslims to their first wave of conquest (AD 632-732), which soon reached the gates of Paris and Geneva in the west and Samarkand and the Indus River in the east. Letting the conquered people work for them and cashing in on their harvests and other earnings were considered a bounty for the Muslims who seized control of the land. The practice of taking boys from Christian families in the Balkans for the army of the Janissaries was a legalized form of enslavement by Turkish sultans, who had 30,000 Christian boys taken annually, converted them to Islam and trained them for their palace guard and as police for the Ottoman Empire.
The Warriors' Reward in Eternity
Muhammad's fighters and donors hoped to receive not only blessings from Allah in this world, but also a concrete payment in paradise like a pension for their efforts and sacrifices in the Jihad. Islam is a religion of works-righteousness and not a religion of grace. Muslims expect that the amount of their good deeds in the celestial account will decide the quality of their future life!
Muslim fighters hope to enter straight into paradisiac gardens with earthly delights. These gardens are mentioned 124 times in the Qur'an, especially in relation to Allah's soldiers in his military enterprises (Suras al-Tawba 9:20-21 and 88-89 and 111; Muhammad 47:4-6; al-Fath 48:17; al-Saff 61:9-12 among others). Many Muslims hope to inherit a number of Houris (paradisiac virgins) according to the number of enemies of Allah that they killed in their attacks and wars.
The wars of Muhammad, with their deprivations, hunger, injuries and casualties, are also considered to be a source of good works for Muslims.
Every follower of Muhammad who is killed in a Holy War is not considered to be dead, but alive with Allah (Suras al-Baqara 2:154; Al 'Imran 3:169; al-Nisa' 4:74; Muhammad 47:4; al-Fath 48:25 among others)! He has escaped the eternal fires through his heroic death (Sura al-Saff 61:10). For this reason "criminals who have been sentenced to death" are challenged in times of war to participate in suicide missions, for which they would receive forgiveness of their sins, justification and entrance into paradise with all its pleasures for their "martyrdom".
This false hope that taking part in a war for Allah or dying in battle in a suicide raid would obtain forgiveness for even their major sins, is emphasized several times in the Qur'an (Suras Al 'Imran 3:157-158 and 169-171 and 193-195; al-Nisa' 4:100; al-Saff 61:9-12 among others). For this reason Muslims think that they don't need a savior or a redeemer, because through their total commitment (Jihad), "with money and life", they hope to earn mercy and justification. They imagine that they do not need Jesus since they think that they can redeem themselves.
Muhammad emphasized several times that war effort for Allah would bring the Muslims a great reward (Suras al-Nisa' 4:74 and 95-96; al-Fath 48:29 among others). His propaganda was meant especially to raise financial support and donations for the Holy War. Muhammad guaranteed that Allah would repay in full everything that he had borrowed for his wars (Suras al-Anfal 8:60; al-Fatir 34:39). The investments that the Almighty receives through Muhammad will multiply in the heavenly bank (Suras al-Baqara 2:245 and 261-262 and 265 and 274 and 277; al-Tawba 9:120; al-Hadid 57:7 among others). All Muslims will receive the best on the day of judgment, but the fighters even more so (Sura al-Nisa' 4:95-96)! Donations before victory will bring a higher position in paradise than donations after victory (Sura al-Hadid 57:10). Allah wants to make everyone wealthy. This could be achieved through voluntary investments for Allah's military goals. He will give everyone who sacrificed his money and his soul, great victory and success (Suras al-Tawba 9:72, 89, 111; al-Saff 61:12). This religious philosophy may be analyzed in the Sura of Repentance:
Allah has bought the Believers their souls and their property, that they might gain paradise. That is they must fight in the way of Allah. They kill and will be killed according to a promise in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who will be more faithful in fulfilling his business contract (covenant) than Allah? Be very happy about the sale in which you have sold yourself. This is the great triumph! (Sura al-Tawba 9,111).
Muhammad had heard from Christians that God redeemed sinners from the slave market of sin (I Corinthians 6:20; I Peter 1:18-20 among others). But he turned the meaning of these spiritually glorious words upside down! He insisted that Muslims have to pay the price by themselves and should buy paradise with their own blood or with the blood of their enemies. But the Gospel states that only God is able to pay the price of redemption "through the priceless blood of Christ, an innocent and unspotted lamb of God". In this way Muhammad replaced the atoning death of Christ with the Muslims' shedding of blood in their unholy war! Whoever understands the depths of this blasphemy will be deeply moved and silent before this Islamic error and blasphemy.
VII - Special laws for war and peace
Everyone who opposes Muhammad or hinders Muslims from taking part in a war for Allah is supposed to suffer the following punishments:
A humiliating torture: (Suras al-Baqara 2:90; al-Nisa' 4:14, 37, 102, 151; al-Hajj 22:57; Luqman 31:6; al-Ahzab 33:57; al-Mujadala 58:16 among others).
A painful torture: (Suras al-Tawba 9:3, 34, 39, 79, 90; al-Hajj 22:25; al-Fath 48:16-17 and 25; al-Saff 61:10 among others).
A severe ("shadeed") torture: (Suras al-Baqara 2:165; Al 'Imran 3:4; al-An'am 6:124; Yunus 10:70; Ibrahim 14:2, 7; al-Hajj 22:2; Saba' 34:46; Fatir 35:7, 10 among others).
A great torture: (Suras al-Baqara 2:7; Al 'Imran 3:105; al-Ma'ida 5:33, 41; al-Anfal 8:68; al-Tawba 9:101; al-Nahl 16:106 among others).
The greatest torture: (Suras al-Sajda 32:20-21; al-Zumar 39:26; al-Qalam 68:33; al-Ghashiya 88:24).
The Arabic word for torture or plague is " 'adhāb" and means intense suffering. The word appears over 320 times in the Qur'an(!); as a fearsome scourge it is one of the basic elements in Muhammad's religion. It is impossible to imagine the humiliating and painful punishments that have been and are still being given to pacifists, converts, people suspected of spying, prisoners or women in the wake of Allah's wars. The verses mentioned above are enough to make clear to a sane person what kind of spirit dwells in Muhammad and his Allah! One can hear about horrible plagues in other religions as well. But the difference is that Allah himself has commanded them in the Qur'an, and has introduced them into legally enforced punishments as part of the Islamic law.
The Bible also mentions the eternal suffering of those who have separated themselves from the salvation of Christ. But Jesus forbids his followers to harbor any kind of hatred, revenge and insult for their opponents in themselves, just as his apostles command us to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
The inquisition of the Roman Catholic Church did not emerge from the commands and laws of Christ and cannot be blamed on Jesus. But Muhammad legalized, justified and himself carried out torture, plagues and killings in the name of Allah. His revenge goes against the spirit of Christ.
Muhammad declares: Allah will punish every unbeliever, deserter and coward sooner or later. His wrath will follow him wherever he turns (Suras al-Anfal 8:16; al-Tawba 9:2-5; al-Nahl 16:106 among others). But whoever opposes Allah and his Islam openly or secretly will suffer one of the following punishments:
The retribution for everyone who fight Allah and his messenger and who will spread unrest (destruction) in the land, is that they shall be killed or crucified, that their hands and diagonal feet shall be cut off and that they should be wiped off the face of the earth! That is their reward in this world. In the next world a mighty punishment is waiting for them (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:33).
This Qur'anic verse is a part of Islamic criminal law that specifies the punishment for an attack on Islam, or for inciting the public against Islam, or through mission activities as an enticement to fall away from Islam! These punishments are carried out today in countries where Islam is strong. But where foreign embassies have an influence on the government, the foreigners accused of these crimes are deported. It is shocking that Islam legally demands the crucifixion of people who cause unrest, but denies the historicity of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Sura al-Nisa' 4:157).
In order to prevent attacks and riots, polytheists are not allowed to enter Mecca or the Ka'ba, since they are considered unclean. They will be roasted eternally in hell (Suras al-Baqara 2:217; al-Anfal 8:16; al-Tawba 9:28,73; al-Tahrim 66:9 among others).
Moreover, the Qur'an requires that Muslims should not fight against women and children, only against men (Sura al-Baqara 2:190). This is a relatively good law. But the rape of countless women during unrest and after conquests is more in line with the spirit of Islam.
Muslims should not fight against their allies or business partners (Suras al-Nisa' 4:90; al-Tawba 9:4, 7). Neutral tribes or countries are not to be attacked either (Suras al-Nisa' 4:90; al-Tawba 9:4; al-Mumtahina 60:8). Guests who seek asylum with Islamic families should be protected for a limited period in order to have the chance to know Islam (Sura al-Tawba 9:6). The Arabic custom of hospitality has modified the Islamic war machine with this law.
Muhammad repeated several times that Muslims should not fight unjustly (Sura al-Baqara 2:191 and 217 among others) and he instructed them to stay within Allah's laws. Basically those enemies should be attacked who attack Muslims or harm them. But causing harm is a flexible concept and can be interpreted in an unlimited number of ways (Suras al-Baqara 2:190; al-Hajj 22:39).
But the Qur'an defines clearly that every enemy who repents and accepts Islam, prays, pays his religious tax (zakat) and fights for Allah has become a brother of all Muslims and can no longer be attacked (Suras al-Baqara 2:192-193; al-Tawba 9:5 and 11 among others).
Muhammad specifies those who are exempted from battle within his religious community. People who are sick, weak, blind, or crippled, Muslims who live in non-Muslim countries and anyone who has been caught in a rainstorm (Suras al-Nisa' 4:98-99 and 102; al-Tawba 9:91; al-Hujurat 48:17).
The Qur'an also indicates what a peace treaty could look like:
Do not quit fighting and do not call for a peaceable solution prematurely, as long as you have the upper hand! Allah is with you and will not deprive you of the rewards of your effort (Sura Muhammad 47:35).
If the enemy inclines towards a peaceful solution, then show that you are equally inclined toward peace (but not too quickly), rather trust in Allah. He hears and knows everything (Sura al-Anfal 8:61).
If they fight you, then kill them! That is the reward of the unbelievers. But if they quit, then Allah is forgiving and merciful (Sura al-Baqara 2:191b-192).
If they distance themselves from you and stop and greet you in peace (salaam), then Allah has not given you the possibility to fight them. - But you will find others who want to make themselves safe against you and (be also friends) against their own people. Every time they are tempted to participate in a revolt, they fall again. If they do not keep away from you, do not greet them with peace and if they do not keep their hands away (from battle), seize and kill them wherever you find them! Allah has clearly given you authority over such people (Sura al-Nisa' 4:90c-91).
Islamic jurisprudence has developed a tricky system of arranging peace treaties from these Qur'an verses. The Arabic language inspired them in this. In Sura al-Anfal 8:61 and Muhammad 47:35 we read about a temporary "little" peace or an effort to peace, but not about the final peace. For Muslims it is impossible to agree to a lasting peace with non-Muslims, at best expect a cease-fire. Peace is legally possible only within states that are fully under the Shari'a. For this, Islamic lawyers have divided the world up into two parts, in the House of Islam, which is also called the House of Peace "Dar al-Salaam" (Sura Yunus 10:25), and in a House of War. All non-Islamic and even liberal Islamic countries belong to that last group. They should be threatened until Islam is fully established in them.
The Arabic word "Islam" is a derivation of the word salaam (peace) and means peace-making in the sense that Islam will be established through this peace. Christian minorities in Islamic countries are given tracts entitled: aslim - taslim, that is, "if you become Muslims you will have peace"! For the Shari'a there can be no peace outside of Islam, at best only a waiting time to ponder.
Christians should not greet Muslims with "salaam 'alaikum", for this greeting means that they accept Islam as a basis for peace, which will be realized either by free will acceptance or by force!
Christ in the Qur'an is supposed to have introduced himself in Sura Maryam: Peace was on me the day I was born and the day I die and the day I am sent alive (Sura Maryam 19:33).
Every Muslim knows that the Son of Mary never took part in an attack, nor in a war, because Allah did not create him to be a man of violence (Sura Maryam 19:32). According to the Qur'an Christ healed many sick people and raised up even the dead (Suras Al 'Imran 3:49; al-Ma'ida 5:110). He was a man of mercy and peace. There was no enemy blood on his hands. According to the Qur'an he is a peacemaker, the only true Muslim who remained without sin (Sura Maryam 19:19).
But Muhammad took part in 29 attacks and wars. He blessed a sword that had pierced through the stomach of a leading Jew who had mocked him. There was much blood on Muhammad's hands. He is dead and awaiting judgment in the intermediate state (barzach). That is why all Muslims, even Allah and his angels, should pray for him, that he may find peace (Sura al-Ahzab 33:56).
But Jesus lives with Allah (Suras Al 'Imran 3:55; al-Nisa' 4:158). He is actually the Son of Man who was "brought near" to the Father, that he would receive all authority and power in heaven and earth (Daniel 7:13-14). The image of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace shimmers in a distorted fashion in the Qur'an as well. There will be no peace, whether in Islam or in the world, apart from in the spiritual peace of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). The request of the Lord's Prayer: Your Kingdom come! remains the most important request until today, so that the devilish temptation of ruling by power and might may be overcome by the gentleness and humility of the Lamb of God
We testify with Johann Christoph Blumhardt (1805-1880) in his hymn:
It remains decided for eternity
that Jesus is victorious!
After his death on the cross
he was raised to the throne.
Jesus reigns forever!
(EKG, a German Lutheran Hymnal, Nr. 428)
This often quoted Bible message will also prove to be true for Muhammad and his Islam: The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool under your feet (Psalm 110:1).
The hymn of praise in the letter of the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi (Philippians 2:5-11), as well as his testimony in the letter to the church in Rome (Romans 16:20), interpret the previous promise of the enthronement given to David. The enthronement of the Lamb of God is the seal of this changeless reality.
VIII - Critical reactions of modern Muslims to the martial law of the Qur'an
The majority of Muslims cleverly evade the demands of the Qur'an that all believing Muslims should fight in the Jihad with a weapon in their hands. They claim: These decrees and laws were only applicable for Muhammad's time! But we live in a different time and are blessed by the efforts of the first generations of Muslims. These Qur'anic commands applied to them perfectly, but not to us. We belong to a kind, peace-loving modern Islam.
Other Muslims are more sober and choose the word jihād (total effort) as the ruling theme of their faith and life. They suggest: Today we must fight poverty, overpopulation, illiteracy, corruption and pollution. So let us sacrifice time, strength and money in order to improve the living conditions in Islamic countries! These active idealists close their eyes to the reality of the Qur'an, which clearly summons to "qitāl", to fight with a weapon in the hand. In any case, they channel a remarkable part of the energy of their religious community into positive tracks.
Most governments of the more than 50 Islamic countries are not prepared to leave the call to Holy War to the religious leaders of Islam. Since the Umayyad era, they divided the Shari'a into secular and religious, official and personal laws. According to the religious leaders, martial and criminal law are under the jurisdiction of the secular Islamic governments. The duties of worship and the rules of everyday life remained under the jurisdiction of the mosque and their leaders. Islam is divided in executing the Shari'a and has become schizophrenic as a religious state.
In view of this, fundamentalists fight with all their might against the liberal Islamic governments, so that their ideal law, the Shari'a, could be instituted not only in part, but completely. Liberal Islamic governments with their modern laws should be toppled from power.
The secular governments on the other side, see themselves forced to imprison, to hang and to silence Qur'anic fanatics. The Islamic Reformation has caused several bloody civil wars during the past 50 years in different Islamic lands. The goal of the fundamentalists is fully to introduce the Shari'a with its comprehensive marital and criminal law. The struggle is still under way.
A compromise between liberal principles and fundamentalist goals can be seen in the world mission of the Muslims. By undermining or infiltrating western companies, banks and governments with finances from their oil-productions, the influence of the Muslims increases in East and West. Arabic language, schools, guest workers and foreign students, mosques on all continents and mixed marriages between Muslims and non-Muslims are planned to increase the presence of Muslims in the "House of War". The Muslim minorities with their increasing numbers in Christian countries demand social and political rights, Islamic religious lessons in public schools and political recognition in questions of religious taxation, to be anchored not only socially but also legally. The financial, economic, social and educational "holy war" in Europe and in the USA has already started. Western countries consciously or unconsciously support the Muslims in their countries through child, unemployment and social benefits. At the same time many Muslim leaders oppose and try to stop the integration of the Muslims in western countries through a resurgence of Islamic faith.
While it varies from country to country, about 10 to 25 percent of the Muslim population is fundamentalist. They are mainly portrayed as extremists in western media, but they are actually the only ones who want to fulfill the Qur'an literally. Liberal and humanistic Muslims, however, are pronounced guilty by the book of the Muslims! The fundamentalists should not be considered to be extremists, rather the Qur'an is the source of radical Islam. The syncretists of the West do not want to recognize this fact. But as long as the Qur'an exists in its present form the fundamentalists will be the only loyal Muslims. Ayatollah Khomeyni was their shining example.
According to the German secret service, there are about 20,000 Muslim fundamentalists living in Germany. Some of them are being persecuted by their own liberal governments. They are all under surveillance by the German secret service. The potential of an Islamic underground army exists invisibly in the heart of Europe and can be stirred up into combat at any time by agitators like Saddam Hussain or Jamal Abd al-Nassr, Ayatollah Khomeyni or Osama Bin Laden. This applies to most other countries on earth. As long as the Qur'an calls for the death of all unbelievers, all that is needed is a spark in the gunpowder to start an Islamic world war – on the condition that the gunpowder was not spoiled by the materialism of the West!
Christians should recognize and accept the challenge of the hour, that the so-called mission field has come to their own home country. It has never been so easy to offer the Gospel to Muslims without danger! But who is obeying the command of the risen Lord to evangelize all Muslims? Is it only a small percentage of Christians, the keen evangelical, who practice religious obedience while the majority thinks of itself in a syncretistic pessimistic manner? The existence of Muslims in our countries makes us responsible before Jesus Christ who will one day say to us on the Last Day: "What you have done to the least of these, my brothers, you have done to me" (Matthew 25:40).
Q U I Z
Dear reader!
If you have studied this booklet carefully, you can easily answer the following questions. Whoever answers 90 percent of all questions in the different booklets of this series correctly, can obtain a certificate from our center on
Advanced Studies
in understanding the Qur'anic roots of the Shari'a of Islam
As an encouragement for his/her future services for Christ. It will be appreciated if you include the Qur'anic references in your answers.
1. How many verses in the Qur'an call Muslims legally binding to their Holy War?
2. What had been the main reason for the disagreement between Muhammad and the merchants of Mecca?
3. How many Muslims asked the Christians in Ethiopia for asylum, when they were severely persecuted in Mecca?
4. How did Muhammad secure legally his immigration from Mecca to Medina 622 A.D.?
5. How did Muhammad care and provide food and all necessary goods for living for his starving refugees in Medina?
6. Why was the Battle of Badr the turning point in the attitude of the Muslims towards the Holy War?
7. How did Muhammad get rid of the opposing Jewish tribes in Medina?
8. What basic changes brought the clever compromise of Hudaibiyat to the Muslims?
9. How far had been the wars of Muhammad wars of defense or wars of attacks?
10. What does the Qur'an reveal about contacts and helps by spirits and so called angels for the Holy War or spread of Islam?
11. Why is kidnapping, taking hostages and slaves in Islam considered as a grace of Allah – until today?
12. What remains the final aim of all efforts and battles in the Holy War of the Muslims? What does the word "Islam" mean?
13. What are the differences in understanding the Holy War according to the terms: Jihād, qitāl, fi sabīl Allah? How much is the Holy War in Islam an intellectual struggle or strife or a bloody religious fight and combat? Where in the Qur'an is the term "Holy War" written?
14. What does it mean, that Muhammad considered the Holy War predestinated and prescribed in the heavenly books of the Muslims?
15. What does the phrase: "Fight in His war" and "fight in Him" mean (Sura al-Hajj 22:78)?
16. Why did Muhammad anchor his call to the Holy War often in the Qur'an? Why were his Muslims in the beginning not ready to attack the caravans of Mecca?
17. Why did Muhammad call the unbelievers the worst animals and fought them without tolerance and mercy?
18. What was the crime of the polytheists, that they had to be crashed? Why are Christians often considered as polytheists too?
19. Who are the greatest enemies of the Muslims? What does this mean for the problems in Middle-East?
20. Why did Muhammad curse de Christians and fight them until they were subjugated?
21. Which kinds of Muslims should be fought too? What does this mean for liberal Muslim governments?
22. Why are missionaries or tentmakers considered often as spies or criminals worse than murderers (Sura al-Baqara 2:217)?
23. Why did Muhammad command all Muslims not to engage with Jews and Christians into friendship (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:51)? What does this mean for evangelistic activities?
24. How did Muhammad prepare his followers in additional ways and stir them up for combat? What does it mean, that he claimed "war is deceit and deception"?
25. Why should Muslims concentrate in Allah continuously when entering into the battle?
26. How often did Allah and Muhammad command the Muslims to kill straight forward the unbelievers, the polytheists, the animists (and the converts from Islam to Christianity)? Write down the special verse numbers in the Qur'an.
27. Where is it written that Muslims should be hard in combat and cut the heads of the enemies? But why should he not take revenge more than he suffered from his enemy before?
28. How did Muhammad justify and comfort his followers, after they had killed some of their relatives among the enemies of Islam (Sura al-Anfal 8:17)?
29. What does the Great Commission in Islam say verbally, where is it written and what does it mean to all Christians on the globe?
30. What are the benefits of the Holy War for the Muslims in this life? How many verses in the Qur'an reveal the right to have slaves?
31. How big was the portion of the bounty Allah and Muhammad received? How does this part of the revenue from the oil production in Muslim countries spur the renaissance of Islam everywhere today?
32. What kind of benefits do Muslim fighters expect in Paradise?
Where is it written, that every fighter, who dies in a battle for Allah shall be ascended to paradise immediately? How shall death in Holy War bring forgiveness of all sins?
33. How did Muhammad promise, that substantial donation for the Holy War will materialize in Paradise?
34. Why did Muhammad impliment horrible punishments and torture for his opponents, traitors and enemies? How often can you find in the Qur'an the Arabic term "'adhāb" for pain, torment, agony, punishment and chastisement? How did Muhammad specify the increased steps of punishments?
35. What are the special punishments for creating unrest in the country (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:33)?
36. Which Muslims are exempted from participating in the battles of the Holy War?
37. Which are the regulations for armistice agreements or for final peace in the Qur'an?
38. How do liberal or modern Muslims explain Jihad (Holy War)?
39. What do the fundamentalists feel, that they should do in these liberal Muslim states and how do these Muslim governments react to their activities?
40. How did the defeat of Muhammad at Uhud create the greatest victory of Islam which we are facing today more and more?
41. What did Jesus say to Peter when he took the sword for his defense?
42. How should Christians look at their enemies and how should we treat them according to the Gospel?
43. What did you gain from this lecture for your own situation and what would you like to know more clearly?
Every participant in this quiz is allowed to use any book at his disposition and to ask any trustworthy person known to him when answering these questions. We wait for your written answers including your full address on the papers or in your e-mail. We pray for you to Jesus, the living Lord, that He will call, send, guide, strengthen, protect and be with you every day of your life!
Yours in His service,
Servants of the Lord
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